Henry "Hank" Spini's Obituary
It is with great sadness that we announce the passing of Henry “Hank” Spini, husband, father and grandfather, on September 12, 2013. He was 90 years old, and a resident of San Carlos.Henry was born on August 18, 1923 in Turlock, California and was the youngest of four children, and the only boy, born to Christopher and Emma Spini. Henry was raised on a typical dairy farm in Stevenson, California, and arose early each morning to tend to the daily needs of the ranch.He attended Hilmar High School in Hilmar, California, enjoyed playing football, and was named All-Conference Tackle one year and All-Conference Fullback the next. After graduation from Hilmar High, he received football scholarship offers from Stanford and Santa Clara University. He chose Santa Clara University, and for two seasons played the old Notre Dame formation as Quarterback and Linebacker. His coach, Buck Shaw, later became the first coach of the San Francisco 49ers.A proud World War II veteran, in the fall of 1942, he signed up for the Army Air Corps. March 1943, saw Hank’s entry as a Cadet in the Army Air Corps, later to become the U.S. Air Force in 1946. He went through flight training and became a pilot and a First Lieutenant at the ripe old age of 19. He then went on to become First Pilot in B24 and later the B29 Bombers flying seven days per week. He later became a flight instructor, and Hank and his crew were poised and ready to go anywhere in the world, however, the war ended. After the war, Henry left the service to continue his education. He completed his undergraduate work at San Francisco State University and did his post-graduate work at Golden Gate University. It was in college that he met Virginia White. They married in 1953, and several years later, moved to San Carlos where they raised their three children.In 1951, he went to work for Guittard Chocolate Company in San Francisco (now Burlingame). Henry became Vice President of Sales 1979, and retired from Guittard in 1999. He remembers his years at Guittard as a “…wonderful experience, from beginning to end”, and forged many life-long friendships throughout his tenure there. His son, Mark, continues in his Father’s role at Guittard today.Henry loved to travel the world with his wife, Virginia, and their home holds many wonderful mementos of their adventures together. He was immensely proud of his children, and adored his grandchildren. He loved to garden, meet with his investment-breakfast group, and cherished most being at gatherings with family and friends.Henry is survived by his wife of 60 years, Virginia, their children, Laureen, Mark (Karen), David (Angie) and grandchildren, Emma, Brad, Brian and Jenna. He is also survived by his sister, Evelyn Besone, his nephews Ronald (Sally) Migleo and Richard (Donna) Besone, and numerous great-nephews and nieces.A celebration of Henry’s life will be held on September 24, 2013, 11:30 a.m. at Skylawn Memorial Park, Highway 92 and Skyline Blvd., San Mateo, California. Interment will be private.In lieu of flowers, at your next gathering with family or close friends, please raise a glass and enjoy a fine piece of chocolate in a toast to his memory.
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